Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) said US President Donald Trump's latest tariff threat, issued on Saturday evening Finnish time, is based on incorrect conclusions. He stressed that although Finland's relations with the United States are good, some things are not tolerable.
Orpo answered reporters’ questions during the first Prime Minister's interview hour programme on Sunday afternoon, broadcast live by Yle from his official residence in Helsinki’s Meilahti district.
Calling the threat "a serious matter", Orpo said that he had been surprised by the news while cross-country skiing on Saturday evening.
"Undeniably, the atmosphere on the ski trip changed. [I had] received countless messages," Orpo said.
"Clear boundaries for what is acceptable"
Orpo declared that the EU will prevent Trump's threat from coming true through concrete actions.
"Concrete means are decisive action, clear boundaries for what is acceptable and what is not," he told journalists during the regular roundtable meeting.
According to Orpo, communication with European colleagues is now crucial and Europe must be prepared for trade policy countermeasures if Trump carries out his threat.
The premier said he hopes for a quick solution to the Greenland situation, noting that European countries now have two weeks to try to prevent Trump's tariff threat from taking effect.
If no solution is reached, there is a real risk of a trade war, he added.
The EU must also be prepared to respond with sufficient force to Trump's actions through trade policy.
Orpo also said the government will update its foreign and security policy report. It aims to complete the work this spring so that Parliament can consider it as soon as possible.
The parliamentary session formally opens on 4 February. It is expected to end in late June.
